Thursday, February 26, 2009

Local Problems Fixed Via Google Maps

SeeClickFixSeeClickFix is a website that allows anyone to report a local problem. For example Boston.com recently embedded a SeeClickFix map on its website to allow its readers to report potholes in the Boston area.

However, SeeClickFix is not restricted to problems with roads and users can use the map to report any kind of non-emergency issue in their neighborhood. Clicking on the map opens a ticket where the issue can be described. The idea being to publicly report an issue so the resolution can be crowdsourced.

The site resembles FixMyStreet.com, which operates a similar service in the UK. However whereas FixMyStreet reports all problems to the relevant local authority SeeClickFix doesn't restrict the fixing to local government. Anyone or any organisation can draw a watch area via a Google Map and then get alerted when something is reported in the area.